Jeremy Casey

Boss Justin Edinburgh says he will be ‘pro-active’ in sorting out the Sixfields futures of a string of key Cobblers players.

Edinburgh has only been in charge of the club for a matter of weeks, and his main focus has been on getting the wins required to keep the team clear of relegation danger.

Cobblers boss Justin Edinburgh

A run of one defeat in the past five games, during which the Cobblers have picked up three home wins and 10 points, has seen relegation fears eased considerably, although the manager is quick to point out there is still ‘a lot of work to be done’ on the pitch.

But off the pitch there are also things that need his attention, with a clutch of the team’s best and most consistent performers seeing their contracts expire this summer.

Among those whose deals run out at the end of the current campaign are midfielder and current player of the year John-Joe O’Toole, skipper and top-scorer Marc Richards, central defender Zander Diamond, goalkeeper Adam Smith, and right-back Neal Eardley.

And there are also other players whose contract situations are unclear due to various clauses.

Our recruitment is well underway now in terms of keeping players here, and looking for people to bring in, so we are active on that as we speak

Cobblers boss Justin Edinburgh

It would be understandable if Edinburgh decided to put all contract talks on the backburner until the team’s Sky Bet League One future is decided one way or the other, but the former Gillingham boss says talks are already ongoing with regards to players staying, and also in terms of new recruitment.

“I think we have to be pro-active, and I don’t think we can sit on our hands and wait and say ‘let’s see what happens’,” said Edinburgh.

“I as the manager will concentrate on the games, but I am very aware of the players that are out of contract, and our recruitment is well underway now.

“That is in terms of keeping players here, and looking for people to bring in, so we are active on that as we speak.”

Asked about those current players out of contract, the Town boss added: “There are a lot of key players, some excellent players who have been really good since I have been here.

“There is a lot of work to be done on the pitch, and off it, in terms of keeping those players at the football club.”